Differential Effects of Physical Activity Advertisements on Men and Women

A new University of Michigan study finds that overweight men and women responded differently to advertisements about the benefits from exercise. “Daily well-being” motivates women to exercise, while “weight loss” and “health” are more motivational for men. Researchers investigated whether reading a one-page advertisement featuring one of those three reasons would influence intrinsic motivation for exercising, and whether men and women respond differently. The study, funded by National Institutes of Health, was conducted among 1,690 overweight and obese women and men between 40 and 60 years old. Continue.